Since 1978, more than 1,100 volunteers have been trained to help visitors enjoy the fun and excitement of spotting whales. Sunday the conditions are forecast to be significantly improved and getting even better through the week. Whale watching trips oregon fishing charters columbia river. Whale watch week march 2020 is coming to oregon coast. The best time to see whales in the spring is during whale watch week, which starts on march 21st this year and goes through march 29th. Find cheap deals and discount rates among them that best fit your budget. The migration is so popular that there are whale watching spoken here programs places where volunteers at great whale watching sites during whale watching weeks help. Migration in december and again in late march means higher numbers and a higher viewing success rate. Whale watching is a yearround activity on the oregon coast with gray whales by far the most commonly seen. They are heading to their breeding grounds in baja california, mexico, where warmwater lagoons become nurseries for expectant mothers. Average temperatures for march at cities, towns, parks and lakes throughout oregon are listed below in degrees fahrenheit and celsius. Heres where on the oregon coast to watch spring gray whale migration. These are the approximately 200 whales that remain in oregons coastal waters during the summer migration. From mid march to the end of may we have gray whales migrating from mexico to alaska.
Enjoy the outdoors with more than 6 average hours of sunshine each day. The oregon parks and recreation whale watching center on depoe bay, about 160 kilometers southeast of portland, is a great place to see gray whales making their biyearly migrations between alaska and mexico. Thousands of gray whales migrate north along the oregon coast. To take advantage of the california gray whales 12,000mile migratory route from a gold beach standpoint, southbound migrating whales move past the oregon coast dec. And this brings us to by far the most common of the oregon whales the gray whales. During the winter months of december through february and the spring months of march through may, our vessels head offshore west from the harbor to find the migrating pods of gray whales. These trained volunteers will help visitors spot the migrating. Middecember to february, march to june oregon features sprawling coastlines that beckon to whale watchers. The land around whale cove on the central oregon coast is now a protected part of the oregon islands national wildlife refuge thanks to a partnership between the property owner and federal, state, and nonprofit organizations. Take a hike during whalespotting week on oregon coast. Blue whale bones brought to surface off oregon coast for study. Whalewatching week on the oregon coast statesman journal.
Spring whale watch week is back on the oregon coast. The oregon coasts best places for whale watching oregon. What is the oregon coast like in february and march. While whales can be seen year round on the oregon coast, the winter and spring months are the best times for seeing these enormous creatures. Where to watch for whales on the oregon coast seaside oregon. Spring whale watch week begins saturday on oregon coast. The oregon whale watching spoken here program puts volunteers at 26 different view points along the oregon coast from 10 a. The first surge swims by around the end of march and we watch the northbound whales all the way until june. Now is the time to go whale watching on the oregon coast. Researchers estimate that 18,000plus gray whales now live in the eastern north pacific area. Whale watching spoken here interpretive center in depoe bay is an enclosed building, but if you want to brave the sea wall during the winter and spring months be prepared for oregon coast weather wet and windy. Oregon coast whale stats from officials, february to early march. The spring whale watch runs march 21 through march 29.
The carcass of a whale spotted wednesday in the siuslaw river has washed ashore on a beach several miles south of the river mouth. Our whale watching excursions are a great opportunity to get out, see the incredible oregon coast for a perspective and then observe the whales in their natural environment. As the summer begins, any of the north american coasts are a great option. Whale watching enthusiasts will head to the oregon coast beginning next saturday for spring whale watch week. Oregon whale watch week is happening in march 2020 that. When they migrate along the oregon coast, theyre usually no further than a few miles from the mainland. Growing up to 50 feet in length, this species of baleen whale is the most coastal whale in oregon. The whale watching center on the oregon coast will be live streaming the spring gray whale migration all week.
We will spend time in the towns of depot bay, newport, and florence, while visiting some of the most beautiful spots and amazing attractions along the central oregon coast on this 2day1night oregon. Oregon coast whale stats from officials, february to early march as happens every year, february is not big on whale sightings on the oregon coast, but march kicked into life. These gray whales move about and feed off the oregon coast during the summer and fall months. Gray whales are known to haunt the waters of the central oregon coast for much of the year, but if you want to reliably see one, you should go during either the spring migration at the end of. February and early march on the oregon coast are part of the quiet seasons, though valentines day and presidents day weekend do see an increase in visitors.
Northbound pods pass from march through may and cruise closer in, just beyond the surfline. Oregon coast, willamette valley, cascade mountains, central oregon and eastern oregon. Some 19,000 gray whales pass close to the oregon coast on each journey a magnet for whalewatchers. Oregon state parks made this decision to protect the health and safety of our volunteers and visitors. Whale watching on the oregon coast the official guide to. Youll also be able to see whales off the oregon coast in summer and fall as they feed in our coastal waters from june to november, though you. Dec 17, 2017 its possible to see gray whales off the oregon coast yearround, but one of two peak periods occurs in late march, when some 20,000 whales travel north to their summer home in alaska. As the yearly mass migration of gray whales along the oregon coast toward baja, mexico begins again, the oregon state parks department has kicked off their whale watch week with a livestream of the proceedings from depoe bay. Ktvz the spring whale watch week event returns to the coast march 2129 to celebrate the more than 25,000 gray whales expected to migrate north past oregon. Best whale watching depoe bay oregon tradewinds charters. Dubbed as the whale watching capital of the oregon coast, depoe bay has whale watching almost year around.
Spring whale watch week returns to the oregon coast march 2129. Here are the top results from the spring 2018 whale watch week, march 2431. Hundreds of giant gray whales, including females and their new calves, travel past oregon on their way to their spring and summer feeding grounds off alaska. You can see gray whales off the oregon coast year round, but twice a year the whales migrate, making the chances of spotting one even greater. Mar 28, 2012 twice patrick and i have headed to the oregon coast attempting to see migrating gray whales. The spring whale watching week is in full swing, and volunteers will be stationed at 24 locations along to oregon coast through sunday march 31 to help visitors watch for. Thousands of people from around the world flock to the oregon coast to go whale watching each year, as nearly 25,000 gray whales migrate north along the coast toward alaska. Go whale watching on the oregon coast remotely with live. Come cast your gander out over the pacific ocean as gray whale migration ramps up with help of trained volunteers at 24.
Every winter from middecember through midjanuary about 20,000 gray whales pass the coast of oregon on their way to the warm baja, california waters. Is it worth while to go out on a boat or is there a good viewing spot on land you would recommend near by. Mar 19, 2018 watch whales at the oregon coast from march 2431 across oregon, or oregon parks and recreation officials will host whale watching events at 24 locations along the coast during spring whale. Conditions saturday were too rough to get out whale watching. Heres where on the oregon coast to watch spring gray. Download our whale watching brochure to learn out about whale swimming. Mar 08, 2019 spring whale watch week coincides with spring break for most oregon schools and universities, and that makes march 2330 a great time to head for the coast and look for whales. The parks department will host spring whale watch week from march 21 to 29, 2020. Well be driving down the oregon coast in mid march with our two kids, aged 9 and 11 years, and would appreciate your feedback on our itinerary. Posted by outdoor project contributor vanessa ball december 1, 2017.
During whale watching weeks, trained volunteers are there to answer questions and provide information that can enhance your whale watching experience check out their website. During spring whale watch, march 2129, oregon state parks will staff top whale watching locations all along the oregon coast with trained volunteers to help visitors spot gray whales. You can jump to a separate table for each region of the state. If you are looking for whales oregon coast, you come to the right place. The depoe bay whale watching center is also closed. Nov 21, 2017 if you had to pick a mascot for the oregon coast, you might choose the gray whale. February and early march on the oregon coast are part of the quiet seasons, though valentines day and presidents day weekend do see an increase in visitor.
Quebec, british columbia, new england, washington and oregon are among the best places in the world for whale watching. The spring whale watch week event returns to the coast march 21 29 to celebrate the more than 25,000 gray whales expected to migrate north past oregon over the next few months. Whale watching is not difficult, but a few tips make it easier. About 30 whales per hour migrate past the oregon coast during the peak southbound migration.
Gray whale migration coming back to the oregon coast this winter. Oregon state parks sends whale watching volunteers home. Each winter some 20,000 great grays swim along the shore south from alaskas bering sea to the warmwater. Then from late march to june the whales migrate north back to alaska. Join us as we search for gray whales and other wildlife from high above the oregon coast. Here you can enjoy the exhilarating experience of our amazing whales and the beauty of the oregon coast. Dec 27, 20 what is the oregon coast like in february and march.
The whale watching center depoe bay 2020 all you need. Whale watching on the oregon coast our ordinary life. Summer and fall bring oregons resident gray whales close to shore to feed. There are as many as 20,000 gray whales moving south to mexican waters this time of year. Watch whales at the oregon coast from march 2431 across. The dates of whale watching week in 2020 are march 2129 and dec. Filein this march 20, 2015, file photo, jim border, who volunteers to help members of the public spot whales during spoken here whale watching week on the oregon coast, scans the horizon for. Take a hike during whalespotting week on oregon coast the. Browse expedia s selection of 934 hotels and places to stay closest to whale watching center. Oregon coast whale stats from officials, february to early. Hundreds of visitors flocked to the oregon coast on friday in the hopes of seeing a major natural phenomenon. This is a place for whale watchers to join and share sightings of whales on the oregon coast.
During whale watching weeks, trained volunteers are there to answer questions and provide information that can enhance your whale watching experience check out their website and map to learn more. Any location with an ocean view may yield whale sightings, and morning light with the sun at your back is best. Any location with an ocean view may yield whale sightings, and morning light with the sun at your. A widely reported case of an exploding whale occurred in florence, oregon in november 1970, when the oregon highway division now the oregon department of transportation blew up a decaying sperm whale with dynamite in an attempt to dispose of its rotting carcass. Gray whales are migrating north past the oregon coast and the oregon parks and recreation department oprd invites visitors to share the excitement during spring whale watch week march 2431. The town is home to the oregon parks and recreation whale watching center, which is on the seawall. February and early march on the oregon coast are part of the quiet seasons, though valentines day and presidents day weekend do. To improve your chances of seeing whales, we got some tips from an expert. Oregon coast spring whale watch week is on thru march 30th.
Find hotels near whale watching center, oregon coast expedia. Tiffany boothe with the whale watch center in depoe bay. The majestic grey whale migration is set to begin later this month along the oregon coast and lasts through the month of june. Once youve seen giant gray whales spy hopping and breaching their way through the water, youll become as addicted as we are to scanning the horizon for those telltale vapor spouts. A family trip to the oregon coast during whale watching week is the perfect way to spend spring break. Whale watching along the oregon coast is broken into three viewing times, with each being unique and incredible. Go whale watching on the oregon coast remotely with live video feed posted mar 23, 2020 a gray whale shows its fluke as it dives off depoe bay, seen on a whale. Average temperatures for oregon in march current results. This is the premier time to observe whales in oregon. Oregon whale watch week is happening in march 2020. The livestream is brought to you by oregon state parks and the whale watching spoken here program. Where to watch the gray whale spring migration on the oregon coast. How to go whale watching at the oregon coast on your own. Ap the carcass of a giant blue whale that has been submerged off the oregon coast for more than three years was hauled.
In addition, most of the whale watching locations are located in or near state parks. The whaleplanner march a whale watching infographic. Whale washes up on oregon coast south of florence katu. In spring, approximately 20,000 gray whales migrate north, traveling from their breeding lagoons in baja california to their summer feeding grounds in the arctic. Save on popular hotels near whale watching center, oregon coast. These friendly whale watchers will help you spot gray whales and other wildlife while you learn a bit about them. We typically dont see hundreds of whales during this time but we consistently see between 5 and 15 whales. Each year, the whale watching spoken here program places volunteers at. Nearly 20,000 gray whales swim by the coastline from middecember through midjanuary, the peak of whale migration in oregon, on their way to the warmer waters of baja, mexico. All state parks will close march 23, and you can join the whale watch online.
During past spring whale watch weeks, more than 1,800 great grays have been spotted along the oregon coast, drawing more than 20,000 visitors. Watch whales at the oregon coast from march 2431 across oregon, or oregon parks and recreation officials will host whale watching events at 24 locations along the coast during spring whale. Spring whale watch week is back on the oregon coast through. However, some species can be found in local waters all year round. Whale watching center oregon state parks and recreation. And dont fret, if you miss them now, you can also find gray whales on their return north, beginning in march. I also have some questions at the bottom of the itinerary. One hour of fun and excitement on a personal scenic tour of the beautiful oregon coast. We have 33 images about whales oregon coast including pictures, image, wallpapers, photos, and more. Its possible to see gray whales off the oregon coast yearround, but one of two peak periods occurs in late march, when some 20,000 whales travel north to their summer home in alaska. Each spring, 20,000 gray whales make their way north, swimming within a mile of the shore and visible from nearly every bluff along the oregon coast.
With a maximum of six passengers on each boat, each tour is a more personalized experience. They are still migratory animals, but this group makes a shorter migration route as long as they find adequate food sources. Mar 02, 2017 whale watching has become one of our favorite ways to spend time while rv camping on the oregon coast. Every year, from middecember to january, 18,000 gray whales. Spring migration the spring migration season is when the gray whales migrate from their baja mexico breeding lagoons to their feeding grounds in the arctic. Best time to see oregon whales whales tail charters. The oregon state parks department says the first surge of whales swims around the end of march, and they continue to head north all the. The spring whale watch week event returns to the oregon coast march 21 29 to celebrate the more than 25,000 gray whales expected to migrate north past oregon over the next few months. We have whales all year long, the numbers just increase or decrease depending on when they are migrating. The explosion threw whale flesh over 800 feet 240 m away. Spring whale watch week returns to the oregon coast march.
Nows the time for whale watching on oregon coast katu. This time, on march 26, we got to see some in the form of their blows shooting up from the surface of the water and quickly turning into mist above the windy ocean 6 in all, through binoculars. No volunteers will be stationed for the spring whale watch week, set march 2129, to help slow the spread of covid19. Dead sperm whale washes ashore, will not be moved the 36foot whale had been dead for quite some time, according to the seaside aquarium. March 24th live from the depoe bay whale watching center. Oregon coast in march oregon coast forum tripadvisor. There are about 80 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises with 10 of those in the waters off oregons coast. But whales are swimming past the northwest coast throughout december, january, march and april. On each trip, approximately 18,000 gray whales pass close to the oregon coast. The whaleplanner november a whale watching infographic. Even though the peak travel time is in march, migrating whales can be spotted off our coast well into the summer months. Also prepare for some rain as you will surely face some with 14 rainy days on average in march. There are two peak gray whale migration seasons to know for the best whale watching in oregonfrom march through may and from middecember through midjanuary. Whales tail charters 1 12 hour whale watching securely.
Spring whale watch week returns to coast as whales migrate. They pass oregon during the spring return from late march to june. Were nearing the first full week of spring, and to celebrate oregons parks and recreation dept. We will be staying in manzanita for 1 night sunday march 22 and wonder about whale watching.
Oregon coast whale numbers of late march numbers for march released by the whale watch center in depoe bay show a definite upward slingshot as the great migration reached a peak. The whale watching center in depoe bay is closed until further. As we head toward spring break week, you might be looking for a getaway from columbia county and that might include a trip to the oregon coast. With a donation or an adoption of a whale you can help to make the world a place where whales and dolphins are free and safe. From december to february, visitors to the blms yaquina head interpretive center can witness these majestic mammals traveling the oregon coast en route. This story was published prior to the coronavirus pandemic. Theres no lack of things to see and do on the oregon coast. In these page, we also have variety of images available. These include the mighty gray whale, the aweinspiring killer whale, and the charming and intelligent bottlenose dolphin. Gray whales will once again migrate past the pacific northwest this spring, bringing some 25,000 whales to the oregon coast. If you are looking to spend spring break in peace and quiet, head to the oregon coast.